Bellevue, Eaton Co., Mich.,
January 13th, 1858

Hon. Ira Mayhew:
SIR - I received your Circular dated Dec. 28th, 1857, requesting information in relation to the success and usefulness of Union schools in the State. Our school is not a Union School, yet it is designed to be as useful and efficient for educational purposes as those upon the Union plan.

We have a large district comprising nine sections of land, and have erected a School House, 40 by 60 feet, two stories high, on a lot containing two acres, at a cost of about $5,000.

At present we have one male teacher at $35 per month, and two female teachers at $4 each per week. The average number of scholars is 150, out of 187 in the district. The course of study pursued in the school, is the entire course of the English branches and the languages. The expense in part is raised by rate-bill. Great harmony now prevails in our district, and a united effort will no doubt place our school in as flourishing condition as any in the State.

Respectfully, your ob't serv't,
John T. HAYT.